20235501(en)/8 - Weathering Evaluation of the Ricci-Quitilipi Rockshelters (Cerro Colorado-Córdoba-Argentina). Diagnosis for Heritage Management
WEATHERING EVALUATION OF THE RICCI-QUITILIPI ROCKSHELTERS (CERRO COLORADO-CÓRDOBA-ARGENTINA). DIAGNOSIS FOR HERITAGE MANAGEMENT
EVALUACIÓN DE LA METEORIZACIÓN DE LOS ALEROS RICCI-QUITILIPI (CERRO COLORADO-CÓRDOBA, ARGENTINA). DIAGNÓSTICO PARA LA GESTIÓN PATRIMONIAL
María Marta Sampietro-Vattuone, José Luis Peña-Monné, Rosario García Giménez, Walter Ariel Báez, Luis E. Tissera, Susana Y. Martínez Stagnaro, Franco Matías Stábile y Walter Calzato
Knowledge about the lithology of rock art mediums is important to establish the consequences of weathering processes affecting the rock and its heritage. Besides, it allows us to determine the best methods for preserving rock art from natural and human impacts. The objective of this paper is to assess the degree to which degradative processes have affected the paintings of Ricci-Quitilipi rockshelters (Cerro Colorado, Córdoba, Argentina). Methodologically, we chose a non-invasive approach by making a systematic record of all the shelters followed by 3D models to reconstruct their microtopography. Weathering models were then drawn by characterizing and assessing the degradative processes. The most outstanding of these are flaking, spalling, disaggregation, botryoidal growths, dust, and carbonate veils. At present, alteration fronts show the importance of making a temporal analysis to determine the areas requiring urgent action to ensure their preservation. We suggest diverting the runoff affecting paintings and shelters, removing dust and carbonate veils that partially cover the rock art, and minimizing the irradiation of direct sunlight without affecting air circulation.